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Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges
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Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges

A special issue of Disabilities (ISSN 2673-7272).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 15535

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Angelo Rega

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Natural and Artificial Cognition Lab, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: technologies for developmental disabilities; artificial intelligence systems applied to disabilities; learning disabilities; technology to support learning in special educational needs; technology for autism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessandro Frolli

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Disability Research Centre, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of International Studies of Rome, 00147 Rome, Italy
Interests: special educational needs; autism; technology to support people with ADHD; cognitive rehabilitation for executive functions; technology supporting verbal behaviors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, we have observed how beneficial technology has been for many people with disabilities. We know that computer science and engineering have identified many solutions to improve the quality of life of people with severe disabilities; however, particularly  following the pandemic, we are witnessing continuous research in the field of technology and psychology to support the rehabilitation and assessment processes for people with developmental disabilities. Psychologists, neuropsychologists, and computer scientists are working together to develop technological prototypes that can be integrated into clinical processes related to autism, developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairment. This Special Issue aims to collect all the research that has experimented with technological solutions for developmental disabilities.

Dr. Angelo Rega
Dr. Alessandro Frolli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Disabilities is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • technology for intellectual disabilities
  • assistive technology for autism
  • technology for learning disability
  • assistive technologies for the developmental age
  • health information technology

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
The Most Important Assistive Devices for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in Switzerland: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Aylin Wagner, Cora Schweizer, Elias Ronca and Armin Gemperli
Disabilities 2023, 3(3), 367-378; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3030024 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 2171
Abstract
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) rely significantly on the use of assistive devices (ADs) to increase independence and enhance participation. This study aimed to determine the most important ADs for persons with SCI living in Switzerland and to identify design features of [...] Read more.
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) rely significantly on the use of assistive devices (ADs) to increase independence and enhance participation. This study aimed to determine the most important ADs for persons with SCI living in Switzerland and to identify design features of potentially novel ADs greatly facilitating persons with SCI in performing the tasks of daily life. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze cross-sectional data (N = 1294 participants) from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study 2017. Open-ended questions regarding the importance of ADs and desirable novel ADs were manually coded and assigned to categories. The results showed that the most important ADs for persons with SCI were a manual wheelchair (61%), an adapted car (46%), and a wheelchair tractor (20%). The importance of ADs varied with gender, age, and SCI severity. While none of the participants indicated a desire for a completely novel AD, over one-fifth described specific design features of novel ADs or adaptions of existing ADs, which were most often related to facilitating transfer (12%), walking support (10%), and facilitating access (9%). These findings have implications for the design and development of ADs to better meet the needs of persons with SCI, improve their quality of life, and promote their independence and participation in daily activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
16 pages, 1432 KiB  
Article
Supporting Healthier Grocery-Shopping Habits for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Using Self-Management and Technology: A Single-Case Pilot
by Melissa N. Savage
Disabilities 2023, 3(3), 319-334; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3030021 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1236
Abstract
While there are many benefits to healthy nutrition, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have poor nutrition habits. Identifying effective practices to promote healthy nutrition for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is critical. The purpose of this study was to examine [...] Read more.
While there are many benefits to healthy nutrition, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have poor nutrition habits. Identifying effective practices to promote healthy nutrition for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is critical. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of a health app and self-management intervention in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in making healthier nutrition choices. A changing criterion single-case research design was used with three adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to determine if there was a functional relation between a health app and self-management intervention, and the number of healthy food and drink items purchased when grocery shopping. The combination of the health app with self-management intervention was effective in increasing the number of healthy food and drink items two participants bought at the grocery store. Participants reported that they enjoyed using the app, scanning food and drink items was fun, and the goal-setting and self-monitoring components were easy to understand. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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14 pages, 530 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity Levels during Therapeutic Camp Activities in Youth with Disabilities in the United States
by Vincenzo G. Nocera, Tyler J. Kybartas, Angela J. Wozencroft and Dawn P. Coe
Disabilities 2022, 2(4), 764-777; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities2040053 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Youth with developmental disabilities (DD) face challenges that may impact their participation in physical activity. One of the biggest challenges is the availability of opportunities to engage in activities that are adapted for youth with DD. In addition, due to challenges with current [...] Read more.
Youth with developmental disabilities (DD) face challenges that may impact their participation in physical activity. One of the biggest challenges is the availability of opportunities to engage in activities that are adapted for youth with DD. In addition, due to challenges with current physical activity assessment methods for youth with DD, the activity levels during modified activities remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the activity levels of youth with DD during structured and unstructured activities offered during a therapeutic camp. This camp was a five-day, overnight experience in an outdoor camp center in the southeastern region of the U.S. Youth (n = 29; 14.6 ± 3.9 years) with more than one DD and with varying abilities wore accelerometers while they engaged in 13 activities of varying categories (functional/gross motor, game, sociodramatic, fine motor, free play) and contexts (ropes, horses, outdoor adventure, music and movement, yoga, come on down, sports and games, theatre, cabin challenge, arts, cooking, mad science, free play). Activity level varied by activity category and context and the intensity level of the majority of the camp activities was classified as either sedentary or light. There was a time course effect on activity; most activities resulted in a gradual decline over the session, except for cooking, sports and games, and free play. This therapeutic camp provided an opportunity for youth to engage in physical activity that would be classified as light intensity. The activities available at this camp were designed to address specific goals and objectives and provided enrichment opportunities (e.g., life skills, social skills) for youth to obtain multiple skills while using movement as a framework to deliver the content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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19 pages, 3512 KiB  
Article
Development of User Feedback-Based Optimized Encoding System for 3D-Printed Tactile Maps
by Howard Kaplan and Anna Pyayt
Disabilities 2022, 2(3), 379-397; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities2030027 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1567
Abstract
The wide availability of 3D-printers makes possible the simple creation of tactile maps for individuals with blindness. However, to be useful, these maps have to be designed using feedback from the future users. In this study, we worked with fifteen individuals with blindness [...] Read more.
The wide availability of 3D-printers makes possible the simple creation of tactile maps for individuals with blindness. However, to be useful, these maps have to be designed using feedback from the future users. In this study, we worked with fifteen individuals with blindness to develop an optimized encoding system for 3D-printed tactile maps for building interiors. Based on their requests, we focused on the development of maps with information about safety routes and emergency exits. Additionally, users identified a set of important physical objects to be encoded on the map. After that, multiple encodings were evaluated individually and when integrated in maps. This resulted in a set of optimal encodings that was most positively perceived by all participants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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13 pages, 1112 KiB  
Article
Assessment and Intervention for Tool-Use in Learning Powered Mobility Intervention: A Focus on Tyro Learners
by Lisbeth Nilsson and Lisa Kenyon
Disabilities 2022, 2(2), 304-316; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities2020022 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Young infants, children, and persons of any age who have cognitive limitations can be thought of as tyro learners, who are beginners in learning. For tyro learners, the self-produced mobility afforded by a powered mobility device offers opportunities, to explore tool-use learning and [...] Read more.
Young infants, children, and persons of any age who have cognitive limitations can be thought of as tyro learners, who are beginners in learning. For tyro learners, the self-produced mobility afforded by a powered mobility device offers opportunities, to explore tool-use learning and interact with the surrounding environment, thereby potentially enhancing development and learning, providing a foundation for future goal-directed, tool-use activities. The Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use tool, version 2.0 (ALP), developed with tyro learners, is a process-based implementation package, focused on assessing and progressing an individual’s understanding of how to use a powered mobility device. Although the ALP tool can be used with any powered mobility learner, research suggests that this process-based approach may be, especially, beneficial for tyro learners, who are in the early phases of learning how to operate a powered mobility device. This article aims to (1) explain tool-use learning in powered mobility intervention; (2) distinguish between the characteristics of process-based and task-based implementation packages; (3) provide an in-depth description of using the ALP tool in providing powered mobility intervention; and (4) highlight the benefits of using the ALP tool, with a focus on tyro learners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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17 pages, 1109 KiB  
Article
Mobility on Demand for Everybody—Investigation of the Current Challenges in Establishing Ride-Pooling Services for Persons with Mobility Impairments in Germany
by Martin Dorynek, Analena Aumüller, Jessica Ma, Björn Rathsack, Julian Weidmann and Klaus Bengler
Disabilities 2022, 2(2), 247-263; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities2020018 - 06 May 2022
Viewed by 2993
Abstract
The ongoing transformation of mobility, including new services such as on-demand mobility, raises the question of how services need to be designed so that everyone can use them. The number of persons with mobility impairments is increasing as a result of demographic change, [...] Read more.
The ongoing transformation of mobility, including new services such as on-demand mobility, raises the question of how services need to be designed so that everyone can use them. The number of persons with mobility impairments is increasing as a result of demographic change, and with the current amendment of the law, it will be mandatory in Germany to take these person’s needs into due consideration. After all, a transport provider’s success relies on sufficient demand in society (including persons with and without disabilities). Due to changing mobility routines, increased comfort, and other individual personal requirements, vehicles smaller than conventional buses are necessary for passenger transportation. The following investigation is a research study, which is based on an intensive literature review and expert interview study. The goal of this work is to evaluate the current status quo of the German public transport system with respect to inclusive on-demand services and their satisfaction with user requirements. Therefore, guideline-oriented interviews with experts from the mobility sector were consulted and analyzed. For this purpose, the procedure of the qualitative analysis was used. Furthermore, user analysis and methodological processes were conducted in order to strategically establish necessary measures. On the one hand, the current initial situation is addressed and initial experience with these new services is reported. The current focus is on the automation and electrification of these vehicles. In order to make them accessible to all potential customers, ergonomic requirements should be considered from the beginning. The previous experiences with other vehicle classes as well as the legal framework conditions are to serve as a benchmark. On the other hand, existing challenges will be discussed, and necessary steps will be worked out. A result of this situational analysis shows that the currently available vehicle concepts do not fulfill all requirements. It is important to consider the vehicle and the barrier-free mobility chain (booking and paying for the journey or vehicle, as well as boarding, traveling, and alighting). Overall, the design of barrier-free mobility systems requires a process of both political and social rethinking in order to succeed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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Review

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11 pages, 310 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review on Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Training Parameters, Choice of Settings, and Perspectives
by Yosra Cherni and Clara Ziane
Disabilities 2022, 2(2), 293-303; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities2020021 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
About 70% of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy experience gait impairments which affect their autonomy and well-being. Robotic-assisted gait training using the Lokomat is particularly promising for rehabilitation as it provides a standardized environment favoring the massive repetition of the movement, in [...] Read more.
About 70% of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy experience gait impairments which affect their autonomy and well-being. Robotic-assisted gait training using the Lokomat is particularly promising for rehabilitation as it provides a standardized environment favoring the massive repetition of the movement, in which physical demands are low on the therapist and high training loads can be achieved. As no guidelines exist regarding training protocols and Lokomat settings, the goal of this narrative review was to summarize previously published information on the use of RAGT in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and to provide an opinion on possibilities for improving future research. The thirteen studies reviewed reported both positive and null effects of Lokomat training on gait. Half of the studies combined the Lokomat with other types of training, and only five used a control intervention to assess its benefit. Overall, training was administered 1–5 times per week for 20–60 min, over 1–12 weeks. Although Lokomat settings were not always described, progressively decreasing body weight support and guidance while increasing the treadmill speed appeared to be prioritized. The variety of training protocols and settings used did not allow pooling of the studies to assess the effects of interventions on gait parameters in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. This narrative review highlights the need for homogenization of interventions so that clear guidelines can emerge and be applied in rehabilitation centers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology for People with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges)
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